2023: Groups Protest Northern Governors’ Decision To Cede Presidency To South
A coalition of Northern Youths groups within the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday protested the decision of the governors from the region to stop Northern presidential aspirants from participating in the party’s presidential primary.
The Northern Governors’ Forum had on Saturday directed all presidential aspirants from the region to withdraw from the APC presidential race and allow their southern counterparts to forge ahead with the contest.
The coalition which comprises the APC Youths Elements and North-East Youth Forum for APC jointly walked round the major areas of Bauchi State and carried placards with different inscriptions.
They asked the APC to field a northern candidate that would match the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, if it wants to remain in power beyond 2023.
They also described the governors as “selfish, self-centered and power mongers.”
The groups blasted the governors for not doing anything to develop their respective states but plunged the region into untold hardships.
The Chairman of APC Progressives Youth Elements, Al-Amin Bala Mai’Auduga, who addressed the journalists on behalf of the groups, said the Northern governors did not consult the people before taking the decision.
The decision, according to him, did not reflect the wishes of the people in the North.
He said: “We are not in support of the decision because it is against our political wish for 2023. The Northern governors just sat down and took the decision for the entire people of the North. They are on their own.
“The North has eminently qualified people who can succeed President Muhammadu Buhari. We, therefore, want the APC to beam its searchlight to the North and get a presidential candidate.”
2023: Buhari Didn’t Back Southern Presidency – Garba Shehu
The Presidency has denied media reports that President Muhammadu Buhari directed the zoning of the presidential ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress to the South.
Several reports emerged on Saturday night that the President had supported the rotation of power to the South in the 2023 general elections.
It was learned that Buhari stated this while speaking in at a dinner with All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirants at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
However, in a chat with BBC on Sunday, Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu described the reports that Buhari had asked party leaders to choose a Southern aspirant as the party’s consensus candidate as false.
The presidential spokesman also refuted reports that the Nigerian leader said he would only back a southern candidate as his successor.
Shehu said the president only asked all the aspirants to seek a consensus amongst themselves ahead of the party’s presidential primary election slated for June 6th to 9th.
He added that Buhari said he would back anyone chosen during consensus talks, notwithstanding the aspirant’s region.
Many Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Catholic Church In Gov Akeredolu’s Hometown
There was pandemonium on Sunday when herdsmen attacked a church in Owo, Ondo state killing over 50 people.
Speaking on the incident, a source explained that some gunmen suspected to be herdsmen invaded the church during service, opened fire on the members of the church and killed no fewer than 50 people, adding that the congregation were caught unaware.
The source stated the casualty might be more as some worshippers who were taken to the hospital have given up.
He added that the herdsmen also used some explosives within the compound of the church but said most of the people were hit with gunshots.
The perpetrators were said to have fled the scene immediately after they carried out the killing, leaving many people dead.
‘Sponsors Of Killings In S’East Want Kanu In Custody Permanently’ —IPOB
The outlawed Igbo secessionist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has said the increasing spate of killings in the South-East are being sponsored by some unnamed politicians who want the leader of the group, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to be kept in prison custody permanently.
The group, in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful on Sunday, warned those behind the killings and abduction of innocent citizens in the region to desist from the heinous acts and stop accusing IPOB of perpetuating them.
Powerful added that the Nigerian judiciary has been hoodwinked into believing the narratives that the spate of violence in the region are carried out by IPOB and as such, have decided to keep Kanu in detention.
“The global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the indefatigable leader and liberator Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to reiterate once again over the incessant abductions, killings and insecurity in the Eastern region,” the statement said.
“Our people and those who claimed to be IPOB members need to understand that enemies will capitalise on the killings and insecurity in the South-East to blackmail IPOB and our peaceful agitation.
“Biafrans should take cognizance of the timing of these heinous and barbaric acts of violence and murder. Our people and the world community should note that most of these heinous killings happen a few days before our Leader’s court dates.
“For instance, the army couple, the House of Assembly member, the pregnant Hausa woman. These killings could not reasonably have been done or perpetrated by IPOB.
“These atrocities are being committed by people who want to ensure that our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu doesn’t come out from DSS custody and nobody who is genuinely interested in his release will be involved in these criminalities going-on in the South-East.
“How can the killing of our own people whom our leader Mazi Nnamdi is fighting for their liberation and freedom help in securing his release?
“It will only complicate his case and turn our people against him and against the Biafran cause which is what the Nigeria government wants and working with politicians and certain compromised elements in our land through its security agencies.
“Again, these killings are also calculated to intimidate and blackmail the judiciary who might be open in granting him justice because our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has no case to answer,” the statement said.
Shettima Apologizes To Osinbajo For Liking Him To A Gala, Ice Cream Seller
Former Governor of Borno State, Kassim Shettima on Sunday apologised to the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo for liking him to an ice cream seller for contesting against the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu.
Shettima while speaking on his earlier statement said it was not to claim that Osinbajo and Lawan are not worthy of the presidency.
He said his comment was to clarify that they are non-threatening contenders” to Bola Tinubu, under the ruling party.
The former governor had stated that the character can’t earn him the Presidency but should be selling Gala and popcorn.
Shettima title reacting to his earlier comment released a statement titled: “My Channels TV Interview Taken Out of Context” reads partly: “When I appeared on Channels TV last Thursday amidst the tension rippling through our political arena, it was to underline the promise Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential bid held for those yet to establish the certainty of the hurdle ahead of the APC. I never set out to denigrate the personality of any aspirant and not that of my dear friends and allies.
President Buhari Reacts To Ondo Catholic Church Attack, Says Only Demons From Hell Could Have Done It
The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has likened the attackers of worshippers in a catholic church in Ondo State to evil spirits from hell.
Buhari made the submission in a statement on Sunday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina in which he reacted to the attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Kingdom, in Ondo state.
It will be recalled that unknown gunmen on Sunday, attacked the catholic church located in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State and killed many worshippers just as the service was nearing its conclusion.
The gunmen were said to have detonated explosives before firing at the worshippers.
Reacting, President Buhari mourned with the families of those affected and wished the survivors a quick recovery.
He vowed that darkness would not overcome light in Nigeria and none of the wicked persons will go unpunished.
Southern APC Govs Hail Northern Counterparts For Decision On Zoning
Southern governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have applauded the decision of ten northern governors to support a power transfer to the southern region in 2023.
The Southern APC governors expressed their delight in a statement issued by Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Saturday.
They also praised Abubakar Badaru, the governor of Jigawa State, who resigned after the northern governors declared their support for the presidency in 2023.
The decision was made during a meeting of governors in Abuja on Saturday night, with Northern governors also requesting that aspirants from the region withdraw.
“We, therefore, wish to strongly recommend to President Muhammad Buhari that the search for his successor as the APC Presidential Candidate be limited to our compatriots from the Southern states.
“We appeal to all aspirants from the Northern state to withdraw in the national interest and allow only the aspirants from the south to proceed to the primaries. We are delighted by the decision of our esteemed colleague His Excellency Gov Abubakar Badaru to contribute to this patriotic quest by withdrawing his presidential aspiration,” a statement issued by the northern governors read.
The news of the resolution of the ten governors from the Northern Region was received with great enthusiasm by the southern governors as reflected in the statement issued by Akeredolu.
It read, “We did not expect anything short of this heart-warming decision from our colleagues, great patriots and reliable partners in the collaborative efforts geared towards the attainment of nationhood for our dear country.
“This is indeed another landmark achievement in our quest for understanding, rapprochement and continual engagements for mutual beneficence. We acknowledge this courageous stance for equity and moral rectitude. We applaud the zeal and determination of our brothers to engage realistically and honestly.
“We salute this uncommon resolve to confront issues militating against the march towards nationhood and ultimate greatness. By this gesture, we are convinced of the seriousness of our colleagues to join other patriots in ensuring that the ascendant march towards stability, progress and prosperity is not truncated by indiscretion.
“We congratulate our brother Governor, Abubakar Badaru, for his exemplary conduct. Posterity will remember him for good. We thank the leadership of the Northern Governors’ Forum for the patriotic zest displayed at this crucial moment. We look forward to conducting a hitch-free Convention which will culminate in the election of a suitable candidate who will hoist the flag of the party with a sense of mission.”
2023: Oyo Deputy Governor, Olaniyan Dumps PDP for APC
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Olaniyan made this known in an interview with reporters on Sunday at his private office in Ojoo, Ibadan, the state capital.
Olaniyan’s defection to the APC confirms the speculations about his estranged relationship with the State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
This development comes days after the deputy governor had said that only God will determine his political move in 2023.
Olaniyan while addressing newsmen at his residence in Ibadan confirmed that he remains a member of the PDP, adding that anything can happen in the next 24 hours.
He further stated that the fact that he was not with his principal when he obtained his nomination form does not mean that Makinde would drop him as a running mate.
Olaniyan, however, disclosed that there is no rift between him and Makinde.
Akeredolu Breaks Silence On Deadly Owo Catholic Church Attack
The Government of Ondo State has vowed to hunt down terrorists who attacked worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-Iuwa Street, on Sunday.
Ondo Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in a statement on Sunday expressed sadness over the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, describing the incident as satanic and “unexpected”
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, Richard Olatunde, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday where he stated that the attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of the Owo Kingdom ” who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.”
The statement partly reads: “I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.
“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked, to say the least. Nevertheless, We shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals.
PRIMARIES: SERAP, 185 Nigerians Sue INEC Over Failure To Extend Voter Registration
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 185 concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking the court to “declare unconstitutional, illegal, and incompatible with international standards the failure of the electoral body to extend the deadline for voter registration to allow eligible Nigerians to exercise their rights.”
Against its earlier stance, INEC recently extended the deadline for the conduct of primaries by political parties by six days, from June 3 to June 9. But the commission has failed to also extend the online pre-registration which ended May 30 2022 and the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ending 30 June 2022.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1034/2022 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is asking the court to determine “whether the failure of INEC to extend the deadline for voter registration is not a violation of Nigerian Constitution, 1999 [as amended], the Electoral Act, and international standards.”
SERAP is asking the court for “a declaration that the failure of INEC to extend the deadline for voter registration is a violation of eligible Nigerians’ rights to participate freely in their own government, equality and equal protection.”
SERAP is also asking the court for “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to extend voter registration by a minimum of three months and take effective measures to ensure that eligible Nigerians are able to register to exercise their right to vote in the 2023 general elections.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Enforcing unrealistic voter registration deadline while extending the deadline for party primaries would deny and abridge the constitutional and international human rights of eligible voters.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “INEC mandates ought to be exercised in a fair, just and non-discriminatory manner. The extension of voter registration would ensure that Nigerian voters are treated equally and fairly. The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on it.”
SERAP is arguing that, “Voters are also critical stakeholders in the electoral process. Treating all eligible Nigerian voters fairly would advance the people’s right to vote and to participate in their own government.”
According to SERAP, “INEC must not only be independent and impartial in the exercise of its constitutional and statutory responsibilities, but must also be seen to be independent and impartial.”
SERAP is also asking the court for “an order restraining INEC, its agents, privies, assigns, or any other person(s) claiming through it from discontinuing the continuous voters’ registration exercise from the 30th June 2022 or any other date pending the hearing and determination of this suit.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “Extending the voter registration exercise would also bolster voter confidence in the electoral process.”
“One of the people’s most sacred rights is the right to vote. The commission has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to ensure the effective exercise of the right of all eligible voters to participate in their own government.”
“Extending the deadline for party primaries without providing adequate time and opportunity for eligible voters to register and participate in the 2023 general elections would amount to an unfair and discriminatory treatment of Nigerian voters, and violate other human rights.”
“Extending the voter registration deadline would provide more time for eligible voters, including young people, the elderly, people living with disability, as well as those resident in states facing security challenges and living in IDP camps to participate in the 2023 elections.”
“Extending the deadline for voter registration would be entirely consistent with constitutional and international standards, and the Electoral Act. Any such extension would also not impact negatively on INEC’s election calendar and activities.”
“The public perception of the independence and impartiality of INEC is essential for building public confidence in the electoral process, and ensuring the credibility and legitimacy of the 2023 elections.”
“Where Nigerians have doubts about the independence and impartiality of INEC, they are more likely to have less confidence in the electoral process thereby undermining democracy.”
“Extending the deadline for voter registration would also be justified, given reports of challenges in the voter registration exercise, especially for young people, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, and those resident in states facing security challenges and living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.”
“The will of the people is expressed through democratic elections. This requires that people should be afforded adequate time and opportunity to register to vote. Extending the voter registration deadline is crucial for promoting the independence and impartiality of INEC and building public confidence in the electoral process.”
“The Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”
“Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that ‘the registration of voters, updating and revision of the Register of Voters under this section shall not stop not later than 90 days before any election covered by this Act.’”
“Similarly, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance guarantee the right to political participation.”
“These human rights treaties also require states parties including Nigeria to ensure the independence and impartiality of national electoral bodies responsible for the management of elections, as well as to promote the establishment of the necessary conditions to foster citizen participation.”
“The right of people to participate in their government is a fundamental feature of any democratic society, and any undue restriction of the right would strike at the heart of representative government.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
2023: Lawan, Yahaya Bello Asked To Step Down For Tinubu
Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello have been told to step down their 2023 presidential ambition for former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
The call was made in a statement by the Bola Tinubu campaign organisation through its spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement also commended the Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru for his decision to step down from contesting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket.
This is coming after ten northern governors under the platform of the ruling party asked President Buhari to back a southerner for the party’s presidential ticket.
The northern governors in a communique also advised northern presidential aspirants to withdraw from the race, ahead of the party presidential primary fixed for the 6th of June.
The governors advised president Buhari to pick his preferred presidential aspirant from the region.
The governors that made the call include, Aminu Bello Masari, Abubakar Sani Bello, Abdullahi Sule, Babagana Zulum, Nasir El-Rufai, Muhammad Yahaya, Bello Matawalle, Simon Lalong, former Governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Wamakko, Abdullahi Ganduje, Abubakar Atiku.
Reacting, the Tinubu campaign organization urged all northern aspirants in the race for the APC ticket to step down their ambitions in the interest of fairness and justice.
Akpabio Dismisses Claim He Withdrew From Presidential Race
Following President Muhammadu Buhari’s demand that all presidential aspirants of the All Progressive Congress (APC) should meet and come up with a formidable candidate, former Minister of Niger Delta and one of the presidential aspirants in the ruling party, Godswill Akpabio, has said he has not withdrawn from the race.
The ex-governor of Akwa-Ibom state, who dismissed the withdrawal claim making the rounds on social media as wicked lies, communicated his stance in a Facebook post on Sunday.
He urged the delegates to disregard the claim, calling for their utmost support in the presidential primary on Monday.
The statement read: “Dear national delegates, please disregard the wicked lies making the rounds that I, your choice for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023, has withdrawn from the race.
“I have not withdrawn from the race because I know you are solidly behind my aspiration. I will not withdraw because I have your support.
“Together, we will triumph and I will emerge the presidential candidate of our party and we will march together to win the presidential election. I am in the race with your patriotic support to win.”
Akpabio was cleared by the party alongside 12 other presidential aspirants ahead of the primary.
2023: Osinbajo Speaks On Stepping Down Ahead Of APC Primary
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday debunked the report that he has stepped down for a presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, ahead of the presidential primary of the party.
The campaign council of the vice president cleared the air in a statement released through its chairman, Richard Akinnola II.
Akinnola noted the people behind the fake news are “afraid of the huge political support base of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.”
The campaign council further stated that the VP is ready for the presidential primary of the ruling party scheduled for June 8-9.
The council also welcomed all delegates who are coming for APC primary election at the Federal Capital Territory.
2023: Wike Calls For Support For PDP Despite Losing Presidential Ticket
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has called on his supporters to continue supporting the Peoples Democratic Party.
The presidential aspirant made the call a week after losing out to the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar at the presidential primary of the main opposition party.
Wike who was represented by his deputy, Ipalibo Harry-Banigo stated this at the thanksgiving service of the PDP in Rivers State on Sunday for successful primaries.
He called on members of the party to continue supporting PDP to enable it to win the upcoming general elections, adding that the PDP is ready to rescue Nigeria.
Despite Northern Governors’ Directive, Yahaya Bello Refuses To Drop Presidential Bid
The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, said on Sunday President Muhammadu Buhari would ensure the All Progressives Congress (APC) produce the best candidate for the 2023 presidential election.
Bello, who addressed journalists in Abuja, expressed optimism that the APC would choose the best candidate irrespective of region, tribe or religion.
He stressed that Nigerians deserve a leader who would solve the country’s challenges.
The governor boasted that he would secure the APC presidential ticket at the primary because of his achievements in Kogi State.
The governor’s declaration will come as a surprise to Nigerians because his name was conspicuously missing from the list of aspirants cleared for Monday’s presidential primary sighted by journalists on Saturday.
Also, the Northern Governors’ Forum had also directed aspirants from the region to withdraw from the race to pave way for their southern counterparts to proceed to the primary.
The Jigawa State Governor, Badaru Abubakar, announced his withdrawal from the race a few minutes after the directive.
Bello and the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, are also expected to withdraw from the race as the duo are from states in the North-Central and North-East respectively.
He said: “Mr. President has always been providing a very wonderful leadership, the National Chairman has equally been providing a superlative leadership for our party and for our country, and yesterday’s (Saturday) meeting was one of them.
“For us as aspirants in the forthcoming primary elections, we were asked to make a consensus among ourselves on who will emerge so that we can come up with one formidable candidate against the PDP.
“It is very gladdening and I know that by the grace of God, we are going to come up with the one strong candidate.
“And, I am very optimistic that I, Yahaya Bello, as the candidate to build on the leadership and successes of President Muhammadu Buhari, will emerge as the consensus candidate by the special grace of God, considering our achievements and successes in Kogi on security, unity, and progress.”
CAN Sends Message To Buhari Over Ondo Church Attack
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the recycling of criminals in the name of de-radicalising terrorists.
The association asked the Buhari government to stop the deradicalisation programme and called for a total overhauling of the security architecture.
CAN made this known while reacting to the killing of worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church at Owa-luwa Street, Owo in Ondo State by unknown gunmen.
As earlier reported, unknown gunmen on Sunday attacked the catholic church and killed many worshippers just as the service was nearing its conclusion.
It was gathered that the gunmen detonated explosives before firing at the worshippers including women and children.
Reacting in a statement issued by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Spokesman for the CAN President, Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle, condemned the unprovoked attacks and killing of several innocent worshippers at the church.
The association described the hideous attack as outrageous, unacceptable, and satanic, stating that the gruesome attack was raw persecution.
CAN commiserated with the families of the victims, the Catholic Church and the government, and the people of Ondo State over the incident.
It, however, called on the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly criminality and bring them to book.
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